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Reptile (Mortal Kombat)

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Reptile
Mortal Kombat character
Reptile in Mortal Kombat X (2015)
First appearanceMortal Kombat (1992)
Created byEd Boon
John Tobias
Designed by
Various
  • John Tobias (early games)
  • Steve Beran (MK:D)
  • Mark Lappin (MK:SM, MK:A)[1]
  • Atomhawk Design (MK9)[2]
Portrayed byKeith Cooke (1995 film)
Jon Valera (television)
Richard Dorton (short film)
Voiced by
Various
Motion captureDaniel Pesina (MK, MKII)[5]
John Turk (UMK3)[6]
Chris Mathews (MK9)
Noah Fleder/Chris McClure (MK1)

Reptile is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He debuted in the original 1992 game as a hidden opponent, establishing him as the first secret character in fighting game history. Reptile became playable in the follow-up Mortal Kombat II (1993) and has remained a mainstay of the franchise. As implied by his name, he is a Saurian, a fictional species of reptilian humanoids. One of the last surviving members of his race, he aligns himself with the series' primary villains in the hope his service will lead to the Saurians' revival.

Outside of the games, Reptile has appeared in various related media. Reception to the character has been positive, with praise for his evolution from a hidden character to one of the franchise's most iconic fighters.

Conception and history

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Reptile's character concept was conceived by Mortal Kombat co-creator and lead programmer Ed Boon after the original 1992 game was released into arcades. Noting the success of the palette swap method used for the sprites of the game's ninja characters Scorpion and Sub-Zero,[6] he and series character designer John Tobias collaborated on including a "super secret hidden feature" in the game who would be a "cooler version of Scorpion".[7] Reptile was completed in a single evening,[8] and inserted into the third revision of the game in August 1992, the same month the game was first released.[9] Reptile was not selectable nor playable as his inclusion was originally intended as a marketing tool for the game due to the extreme conditions required for players to encounter him, with the developers in turn hoping word of mouth would spread rumors of the character's existence.[10] Boon noted in a 1995 interview that the positive response to the character led to Reptile's inclusion in subsequent series installments as a playable fighter.[11][better source needed]

Design and gameplay

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Reptile appeared in the three digitized Mortal Kombat fighting games as a palette swap of the two male ninja characters, with his green armor representing a combination of Scorpion and Sub-Zero's yellow and blue, respectively.[7] He retained this design upon his playable debut in Mortal Kombat II (1993), with his true reptilian nature first revealed whenever his face mask was pulled down for his acid spit attack, or removed entirely for his tongue-grab Fatality and his arcade ending.[12][13] He and the other ninja characters were omitted from Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) but included in the upgrade Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. For the three-dimensional release Mortal Kombat 4 (1997), he was given a unique design for the first time with minimal body armor, his face fully exposed, and more of his true reptilian identity revealed, while he speaks in a sibilant tone in his arcade ending.[6][14] With the palette-swap characters receiving distinct makeovers for the series' three-dimensional fighting games, Reptile was given a full reptilian design in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002) that included a long tail while he wore minimal gold and black armor,[15] a design that was maintained for his nonplayable appearance in the 2005 beat 'em up title Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks with the exception of black straps wrapped around his head that left his eyes and mouth exposed.[16] Reptile did not appear in Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004), but returned with the then-entire series roster in the 2006 compilation title Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

As a secret non-playable character in the first Mortal Kombat, Reptile copied Sub-Zero's and Scorpion's special moves and fought with increased speed.[17][18] He received his own distinct set of attacks starting with his playable debut in Mortal Kombat II.[19]

Reptile's Fatalities in MKII consist of revealing his reptilian face and using his long tongue to devour the opponent's head, or turning invisible and severing their torso.[19] Later finishing moves expand upon the concept, ranging from regurgitating acid upon the defeated opponent to leaping upon their body and gnawing the flesh from their skulls.[13] In a 2006 series retrospective, the Mortal Kombat development team named Reptile's finishers as some of their favorites from the series.[20]

Appearances

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Video games

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In the original Mortal Kombat (1992), Reptile is a mysterious unplayable hidden character.[10][21] He randomly appears onscreen prior to a match with clues on how to access him, with players then required to follow specific guidelines in order to fight him.[9][22] In Mortal Kombat II (1993), Reptile is now a playable character with the storyline of his being a member of a reptilian race from the fictional dimension of Outworld that was enslaved by its evil emperor Shao Kahn.[17][23] Promised the revival of his race in turn for his loyalty, Reptile serves as the bodyguard of evil sorcerer Shang Tsung.[24] Reptile was omitted from Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), but returned for the upgrade Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. He is assigned to find and assassinate Edenian princess Kitana after she kills her evil twin Mileena.[25] In Mortal Kombat 4 (1997), he serves as a minion to the fallen Elder God Shinnok, for which he is again promised the restoration of his race.[14]

In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002), Reptile returns to Shao Kahn's service. After overhearing Shang Tsung's plot to kill Kahn, he attempts to warn his master but meets Nitara, a vampire who offers knowledge of his race.[15] Reptile pledges his loyalties to her but ultimately realizes she is merely using him. He sets out to kill her but instead finds a mysterious egg belonging to the Dragon King Onaga.[26] He is not playable in Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004), in which the egg transforms him into Onaga's avatar, which sets up the events of the game.[27][28] Separated from Onaga after the latter's defeat, Reptile returns in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006) with the then-entire roster of series characters. In the game's opening sequence, he fights alongside the forces of evil in a battle to claim the elemental Blaze's godlike power.[29]

The thunder god and Earth protector Raiden resets the series timeline in the 2011 reboot game Mortal Kombat, in hopes of preventing Armageddon. Reptile has a minimal presence as a representative of Outworld in its attempt to conquer Earth. In the Shaolin tournament from the original game, he is present from the outset but defeated by Johnny Cage. In the second tournament, he is assigned to fight Sub-Zero but loses, and during the invasion of Earth in the retold events of Mortal Kombat 3, Reptile is beaten by riot officer Kurtis Stryker in combat.[30]

In Mortal Kombat X (2015), Reptile is now identified by the name Syzoth. He plays an instrumental role in new Outworld ruler Kotal Kahn usurping Mileena for the throne, when he reveals that Mileena is not Shao Kahn's biological daughter.[31] Reptile joins Ermac, Erron Black, and Ferra/Torr in serving Kotal Kahn as they conflict with Cassie Cage's military unit in their attempt to protect their home realm of Outworld from Shinnok's forces.[32]

In the rebooted storyline of Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), Reptile's race of the Zaterrans is no longer extinct, but he becomes an outcast among his people for his ability to assume a humanlike appearance. He is blackmailed into serving Shang Tsung, who is holding his family hostage, and the sorcerer is able to learn Syzoth's shapeshifting ability as a result. After Syzoth fails to contain Baraka and several captured Earth warriors, Shang Tsung reveals he has already slain his family. As a result, Syzoth joins forces with Fire God Liu Kang and the Earth heroes to help prevent the destruction of Earth and Outworld by Shang Tsung and his cohort, the necromancer Quan Chi.[33] After Titan Shang Tsung and his forces are defeated at the conclusion, the newly crowned Outworld empress Mileena asks Syzoth to be her emissary to the Zaterrans, which allows him to return to his homeland free of shame. However, he uncovers records revealing that many Zaterrans also have the ability to shapeshift but were killed off by their government in order to keep it secret, and he vows to find a way to end their barbaric policies.[34]

Reptile was among several series characters originally included in the "Tournament Edition" of NBA Jam (1993) as unlockable players, but they were removed from later versions of the game at the request of the NBA due to concerns over the violent nature of the Mortal Kombat series.[35]

Other media

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Keith Cooke as Reptile in Mortal Kombat (1995)

In Malibu Comics' Mortal Kombat comic book series, Reptile joins the Mortal Kombat II characters in the three-issue miniseries Goro: Prince of Pain (1994),[36] and in the six-issue miniseries Battlewave (1995), he hypnotizes Sonya Blade into wanting to marry Shao Kahn before the plot is thwarted by the Earth heroes.[37] A paperback novel, Mortal Kombat: Reptile's World (1996), written by C. Dean Anderson for younger readers, tells the past of Reptile's race through the perspectives of other series characters.[38]

In the 1995 motion picture Mortal Kombat, Reptile appears as a computer-generated bipedal lizard ordered by Shang Tsung to keep Princess Kitana away from the Earth heroes. He follows them into Outworld but is discovered by Liu Kang, after which Reptile assumes a human form to fight Liu Kang but is killed in battle. Reptile was played by actor and martial artist Keith Cooke,[39] and was a late inclusion in response to focus groups being unimpressed with the film's original fights.[40]

An original character named Komodai, who bore a physical appearance to Reptile, was featured in an episode of the animated series Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996).[41] Reptile briefly appears in the 2020 animated film Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge, in which he is killed by Sonya Blade in a fight scene.[42]

Reptile was played by Jon Valera in one episode of the 1998 syndicated television series Mortal Kombat: Conquest. He is the commander of Shao Kahn's army of Raptors until he betrays Kahn and schemes to share dominion over Kahn's domain until he is killed by Kahn's priests.[43] He makes a brief appearance in the 2010 short film Mortal Kombat: Rebirth, a grittier contemporary take on the series canon.[44] He was played by Richard Dorton and depicted as a cannibalistic criminal afflicted with Harlequin-type ichthyosis.[45] In the 2021 film reboot Mortal Kombat, Reptile is sent by Shang Tsung to dispatch the chosen Earth participants of the Mortal Kombat tournament, but is killed by Kano. The character was depicted in bipedal reptilian form and computer-generated.[46]

Merchandise and promotion

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A Reptile action figure was released by Hasbro as part of a G.I. Joe line of toys, packaged with the series-themed vehicle for the toyline. The figure comes with a katana and grappling hook.[47] Another action figure to promote Shaolin Monks was released in 2006 by Jazwares. Fully posable, it includes an alternate head, detachable tongue and a large-bladed scimitar.[48] He was one of many MK characters depicted on 2.5" x 3.5" collectible magnets released by Ata-Boy Wholesale in 2011.[49] Reptile also featured prominently in the introduction sequence of Mortal Kombat 4, portions of which were used in a television commercial to promote the game.[50]

Reception

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While Reptile has received positive critical reception for his origins as a hidden character, response to his other characteristics has been mixed. Zach Gass of TheGamer praised the evolution of the character throughout his series appearances. "Like all of the rainbow ninjas in the series, Reptile has grown and developed a look, fighting style, and character all his own."[51] He was fifth in Game Revolution's list of top "old school" Mortal Kombat characters", praised for his introduction in Mortal Kombat and his changes in the sequel.[52] Reptile was featured in a 2008 MSN article about the ten greatest Easter eggs in gaming.[53] In 2010 UGO, included him on the list of the 25 coolest hidden characters in video gaming.[54] In UGO Networks' 2012 list of the top Mortal Kombat characters, Reptile placed sixth, stating that he is the best hidden character in the series.[55] In a 2020 episode of the Rotten Tomatoes podcast "Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong" discussing the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, the panelists opined that Reptile is one of the worst characters in the series, mentioning his origin as a palette swap, and argued that the series should have kept him as a hidden character because it was the one thing that made him cool.[56]

Reptile's absence in Mortal Kombat 11 was questioned by Dale Wilson of PlayStation LifeStyle, whom stated "With classic characters like Scorpion, Subzero, Johnny Cage, Jade, and Sonya Blade all making appearances in Mortal Kombat 11, I find it odd that Reptile was left out of the mix."[57]

References

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  1. ^ "Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Credits". Allgame.com. 2010-10-03. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  2. ^ "Mortal Kombat Characters & Concept Artwork". CreativeUncut.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  3. ^ Brian Chard [@bcharred] (April 14, 2015). "Huge thanks to the stellar MKX voice actors..." (Tweet). Retrieved June 2, 2018 – via Twitter.
    Brian Chard [@bcharred] (April 14, 2015). "... Steve Blum (SubZero/Reptile/Bo'RaiCho)" (Tweet). Retrieved April 15, 2015 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Cianciolo, Dominic. "Ashrah, Reptile, and Havik return in #MortalKombat1!!! The VO kast: Ashrah - @susaneisenberg1 Reptile - @MorgadoAndrew". Twitter.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  5. ^ Surette, Tim (2006-03-10). "Mortal Kombat Actors Get Work". GameStop. Archived from the original on 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2008-12-25.
  6. ^ a b c Midway (2006-10-11). Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Midway. Level/area: Reptile Kombat Card video.
  7. ^ a b Kent, Steve L. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. Prima Games. ISBN 0-7615-3643-4. p. 463
  8. ^ "MK vs DCU - Ed Boon interview Part 1 (transcript)". Total Mortal Kombat. Archived from the original on 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  9. ^ a b Greeson, Jeff; O'Neill, Cliff. "The History of Mortal Kombat - Mortal Kombat (1992)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-21. Retrieved December 25, 2008.
  10. ^ a b Kent, Steve L. (2000). The First Quarter: A 25-year History of Video Games. BWD Press. p. 370. ISBN 0-9704755-0-0.
  11. ^ Midway (1995). Mortal Kombat 3. Midway. Level/area: Ed Boon and John Tobias interview.
  12. ^ Midway Games (1993). Mortal Kombat II. Midway Games. Level/area: Reptile ending.
  13. ^ a b Wartow, Ronald (1996). Official Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Fighter's Kompanion. BradyGames. p. 370. ISBN 1-56686-639-1.
  14. ^ a b Midway Games (1997). Mortal Kombat 4. Midway Games. Level/area: Reptile ending.
  15. ^ a b Midway Games (2002-11-20). Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. Midway Games. Level/area: Reptile biography card.
  16. ^ Midway Games (2005). Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. Midway Games.
  17. ^ a b Reparaz, Mikel (April 19, 2011). "The evolution of Shang Tsung and Reptile". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  18. ^ Jasper, Gavin (April 24, 2019). "Mortal Kombat: Secret Characters Explained". Den of Geek. Dennis Publishing. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  19. ^ a b Taylor, Matt; Fink, Jim (1995). Mortal Kombat II: Official Player's Guide. Infotainment. ISBN 1-57280-028-3.
  20. ^ Midway (2006-10-11). Mortal Kombat: Armageddon Premium Edition. Midway. Level/area: "The History of Fatalities" commentary.
  21. ^ Carter, Chip; Jonathan, Carter (1994-02-07). "They are just dying to talk about Mortal Kombat". St. Petersburg Times. p. 5D.
  22. ^ Jasper, Gavin (April 10, 2015). "Mortal Kombat X: The Strange History of Reptile". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  23. ^ Midway (2007-07-15). Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (Wii). Midway. Level/area: Fighter of the Wiik: Khameleon.
  24. ^ Midway Games (1993). Mortal Kombat II. Midway Games. Level/area: Reptile biography.
  25. ^ Midway Games (1995). Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Level/area: Reptile biography.
  26. ^ Midway (2002-11-20). Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. Midway. Level/area: Reptile ending.
  27. ^ Midway (2006-10-11). Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Midway. Level/area: Onaga Kombat Card video.
  28. ^ "Shujinko bio". Midway Games. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
  29. ^ Midway Games (October 9, 2006). Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Level/area: Opening cinematic sequence.
  30. ^ NetherRealm Studios. Mortal Kombat. Warner Bros. Games.
  31. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2015). Mortal Kombat X. Warner Bros. Games. Level/area: Chapter 6: D'Vorah.
  32. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2015). Mortal Kombat X. Warner Bros. Games. Level/area: Chapter 11: Jacqui Briggs.
  33. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2023). Mortal Kombat 1. Warner Bros. Level/area: Chapter 7: Narrow Escape (Reptile).
  34. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2023). Mortal Kombat 1. Warner Bros. Games. Level/area: Reptile tower ending.
  35. ^ Staff (1995). NBA JAM Tournament Edition Player's Guide. BradyGames. ISBN 1-56686-232-9.
  36. ^ Charles Marshall (w), Kiki Chansamone (p), Bruce McCorkindale (i). "Armed and Dangerous" Mortal Kombat - Goro: Prince of Pain (1995). Malibu Comics.
  37. ^ Charles Marshall (w), Vinton Heuck (p), David Mowry (i). Mortal Kombat: Battlewave, no. 6 (1995). Malibu Comics.
  38. ^ Anderson, C. Dean (1996). Mortal Kombat: Reptile's World. Berkley Publishing. ISBN 1-57297-131-2.
  39. ^ Goldman, Michael; Aaron, Richard E. (1995). Mortal Kombat: The Movie - Behind the Scenes. Prima Games. ISBN 0-7615-0082-0.
  40. ^ Reid, Dr. Craig D. (January 1998). "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation - Behind the Scenes at the New Hollywood Blockbuster". Black Belt. 36 (1). Active Interest Media, Inc.: 85. ISSN 0277-3066.
  41. ^ Sean Catherine Derek (writer) (October 5, 1996). Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (Animated series). Threshold Entertainment and Film Roman.
  42. ^ Ethan Spaulding (director), Jeremy Adams (writer) (2020). Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (Animated film). Warner Bros. Animation.
  43. ^ Reza Badiyi (director), James Cappe (writer) (April 24, 1999). Mortal Kombat: Conquest (television). Threshold Entertainment and New Line Television.
  44. ^ Kendrick, Ben (June 10, 2010). "Mortal Kombat Rebirth Director Talks Feature Film". Screen Rant. Valnet, Inc. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  45. ^ Kevin Tancharoen (director), Oren Uziel (writer) (2010). Mortal Kombat: Rebirth (Short film).
  46. ^ "How Reptile is Different in Mortal Kombat 2021". Screen Rant. 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  47. ^ Santelmo, Vincent (2001). The Complete Encyclopedia to GI Joe. Krause Publications. p. 509. ISBN 0-87341-874-3.
  48. ^ "Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks Series 3 Action Figure Reptile". ToyWiz. Archived from the original on 2006-08-19. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  49. ^ Reptile 2.5" x 3.5" magnet - Ata-Boy Wholesale, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  50. ^ Midway (1997-10-15). Mortal Kombat 4. Midway. Level/area: Opening sequence.
  51. ^ Gass, Zach (April 25, 2019). "Mortal Kombat: 19 Things About Reptile That Make No Sense". TheGamer. Valnet, Inc. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  52. ^ Jensen, K. Thor; Severino, Anthony (2011-02-03). "Top 10 Old School Mortal Kombat Characters". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 2016-01-07. Retrieved 2011-05-23.
  53. ^ Taylor, Nik. "10 greatest gaming Easter eggs". MSN. Archived from the original on 2008-03-27. Retrieved 2009-11-05.
  54. ^ "The 25 Awesomest Hidden Characters". UGO.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-09. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
  55. ^ UGO Team (2012-02-28). "Top 50 Mortal Kombat Characters - Mortal Kombat". UGO.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-29. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
  56. ^ "Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong: About... Mortal Kombat". Rotten Tomatoes. September 24, 2020. Archived from the original on 8 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021. Event occurs at 38:22-40:04.
  57. ^ Wilson, Dale (April 23, 2019). "5 DLC Characters We Want In Mortal Kombat 11". PlayStation LifeStyle. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
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